San Quentin worker arrested in drug, bribery investigation

A San Quentin worker was arrested Wednesday on allegations of selling drugs at the prison and seeking or accepting bribes, according to the Marin County Jail.

Robert Alioto, 48, of Petaluma was booked on suspicion of requesting or receiving a bribe, possession of marijuana for sale, sales or transportation of marijuana, conspiracy and selling drugs to a person in custody.

Bail was set at $50,000. Alioto bailed out Wednesday evening.

Alioto, a warehouse supervisor who is not a sworn corrections officer, was arrested by investigators with the state prison department. Lt. Samuel Robinson, a prison spokesman, said he did not have detailed information about the case but that the investigation is ongoing.

"We here at San Quentin and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation are determined to ensure that our institution is safe and secure, even if it means pursuing legal action against our staff," he said.

Robinson said he was unaware of any other employees arrested in the case.

The Marin County District Attorney's Office was awaiting reports and had filed no charges as of Wednesday, a spokesman said.

Under state law, public employees convicted of requesting, receiving or agreeing to receive a bribe can face up to four years in prison. Drug transportation or distribution also carries a potential sentence of up to four years, while selling drugs to prisoners can mean up to six years in prison.